MOA vs MILs Explained by Ryan Cleckner | Simple Conversion Formula for Shooters

This video by Ryan Cleckner, a former special operations sniper, explains the difference between True MILs and NATO MILs and provides a simplified conversion method for shooters. Cleckner emphasizes using 3.5 as a practical 'fudge factor' for quick mental calculations between MOA and MILs in the field, making long-range shooting adjustments more accessible.

Quick Summary

Ryan Cleckner, a former special operations sniper, simplifies MOA and MIL conversions for shooters. He recommends using 3.5 as a practical 'fudge factor': multiply MILs by 3.5 to get MOA, and divide MOA by 3.5 to get MILs. This method offers a fast, sufficiently accurate estimation for field adjustments, bridging the gap between True MIL (3.438 MOA) and NATO MIL (3.375 MOA).

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to MOA vs MILs
  2. 00:35Defining True MIL vs NATO MIL
  3. 01:29Precise Conversion Factors
  4. 02:29Simplified Field Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MOA and MILs in shooting?

MOA (Minute of Angle) and MILs (Milliradians) are units for measuring angles in shooting. While MOA is based on degrees, MILs are based on radians. There are two common MIL definitions: True MIL (approx. 6,283.18 units/circle, 3.438 MOA) and NATO MIL (6,400 units/circle, 3.375 MOA).

How can I easily convert between MOA and MILs for shooting adjustments?

For quick field calculations, use 3.5 as a conversion factor. Multiply your MIL value by 3.5 to estimate MOA, or divide your MOA value by 3.5 to estimate MILs. This provides a practical approximation for most shooting scenarios.

Who is Ryan Cleckner and why is he qualified to teach about shooting conversions?

Ryan Cleckner is a former special operations sniper and sniper instructor. He is also a best-selling author on long-range shooting, bringing extensive practical experience and expertise to his instructional content.

What are the precise conversion values between MOA and MILs?

The precise conversion values are: 1 True MIL equals approximately 3.438 MOA, and 1 NATO MIL equals approximately 3.375 MOA. These exact figures are often too complex for rapid field calculations.

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